Maghery mauled by rampant Toye

05 April 2004

Irish News

Bank of Scotland Ulster Intermediate club football final: St Michael’s (Donegal) 1-11, Maghery (Armagh) 0-8

The twin strike force of Christy Toye and Colm McFadden allied to the playmaking ability of Brian McLoughlin were the key ingredients that saw St Michael's of Donegal deservedly crowned Ulster intermediate club champions at the end of an exciting and action-packed final in Clontibret on Saturday.

McFadden and Toye scored nine points between them and their greater efficiency in creating and converting chances in difficult conditions always saw the Donegal champions holding the advantage.

Allied to their influence, St Michael's also had a star player in midfielder and captain, Brian McLaughlin, whose ballwinning and distribution were key elements in their strategy.

He hit a superb point in the second half as well and, but for the workrate of Kieran Rafferty at the heart of the Maghery defence, this trio would have wreaked even more havoc.

St Michael's led at half-time by 0-6 to 0-3 and might well have been further ahead but for a series of missed chances midway through the half when they were completely on top.

Within 30 seconds of the restart the Donegal side had established an even firmer grip on proceedings when Patrick Stewart rifled in the game’s only goa1.

It came after excellent work in the right corner by Colm McFadden who evaded three defenders before crossing accurately to Sean Stewart who then released Stewart to give Dermot Fox no chance.

Maghery enjoyed their best spell midway through the second-half but the nearest they came to the winners was a three points margin.

In the final quarter, St Michael's made their superiority tell to wrap up the title with further points from McFadden, Toye and an excellent long range free from Brian McLaughlin.

St Michael's now play Dundalk Gaels in the All-Ireland semi-final in Clontibret tomorrow evening at 6.45p.m.